For many women over 50, navigating hormone therapy has meant choosing between options that weren't originally designed with their stage of life in mind. Pills, patches, and treatments developed primarily for younger women or contraceptive purposes have long been the standard, leaving a gap in care that one women's health physician is working to address.

Dr. Sarah Daccarett, founder of Inner Balance, recently launched Menopause Oestra, a bioidentical hormone therapy formulated specifically for menopausal women. The product is designed as a conservative starting dose of systemic hormone therapy, delivered vaginally to allow for more consistent absorption while reducing strain on the liver compared to oral options.

"Menopause isn't a medical failure — it's a hormonal transition that deserves thoughtful, age-appropriate care," Daccarett said. "Too many women are undertreated, or told to just live with their symptoms."

Image Credit: Inner Balance
Image Credit: Inner Balance

Why Delivery Method Matters

According to Daccarett, how hormones are delivered makes a meaningful difference for women in this life stage. Vaginal delivery allows hormones to be absorbed systemically while bypassing the digestive system, which can help maintain more stable hormone levels and reduce some of the fluctuations associated with patches or pills.

The formulation combines bioidentical estradiol and progesterone, addressing not just estrogen deficiency but also the progesterone imbalance that can affect sleep, mood, and overall hormonal balance in menopausal women.

"Menopause changes how the body absorbs, processes, and responds to hormones," Daccarett explained. "Treatment needs to reflect that."

Image Credit: Inner Balance
Image Credit: Inner Balance

A Starting Point, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Menopause Oestra is intended as an entry point into hormone therapy, with women working alongside the Inner Balance clinical team to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment over time if needed. For some, the initial formulation provides meaningful relief on its own. Others may move to different levels of support based on ongoing clinical guidance.

An estimated 1.3 million women in the U.S. enter menopause each year, yet research suggests many report confusion or hesitation around hormone therapy due to concerns about safety, cancer risk, and conflicting information — some of it based on older studies. Daccarett says the goal of her approach is to help women feel more informed as they weigh their options.

"This stepwise approach helps women feel supported rather than rushed or overwhelmed," she said.

Menopause Oestra is available through Inner Balance with a prescription and clinical support.

Dr. Sarah Daccarett is a physician and founder of Inner Balance, a women's health company focused on hormone care at every stage of life.